The Internet has played a major role in the increased number of children adopted across state lines. Web-based waiting child photolistings and hopeful parent profiles online are just two ways in which the Internet brings children and families together who may be geographically distant. Interstate adoptions are affected by two agreements between the "sending" and "receiving" states. These agreements carry the force of law:

* The Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA), and

* The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).

Children's and parents' adoption workers, agencies, or attorneys will generally prepare the necessary paperwork, but placing and adopting parents should be aware of the Compacts, their provisions, and whether one or both apply.

When the letter of the law is not followed, adoptions can fall through, end up in the press (see [URL=http://forums.adoption.com/showthread.php?t=190357]The Fight for Tamia: Adoption's Dark Side?[/URL]), and affect families. But worst of all is the effect on children.

The Interstate Compacts affect all types of adoptions that involve more than one state: private, independent, and adoptions of children through state agencies (foster care system).

To learn how these Compacts work and how they might affect your plans, read [URL=http://adopting.adoption.com/child/interstate-adoption-icpc-and-icama.html]Interstate Adoption: ICPC and ICAMA[/URL]